Zion and camping by a creek

Onward to Zion!

So I drive my sad little self out of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and turn the Perfect Tow Vehicle and my thoughts toward Zion. I show my Senior Pass at the entrance and I’m ushered through. No extra charge for the tunnel!

I don’t take any photos because the web has plenty and they’re way better than anything I would take. Suffice it to say, Zion is incredible, fantastic, beautiful, and awe-inspiring plus any other positive adjectives you might want to add relating to visual gorgeosity (I made that one up.). The tunnels are fun and, well, dark.

All the way through Zion, down steep and tight hairpin turns, the thought of that dang, leaky tire is rumbling around in the back of my mind.

I do enjoy the ride through Zion and wonder why it doesn’t get the hype that the Grand Canyon gets. I may be committing blasphemy in some circles when I say Zion wowed me more than the Canyon. But then, I didn’t see the Canyon from the air. But then, you don’t have to see Zion from the air. The debate goes on . . . .

I love approaching a new campsite for the first time!

Friends Chuck and Geri located a pretty site next to a creek just past the town of Virgin. Through text messages and broken-up cell calls, we arrange for Chuck to wait for me at the turn off of Highway 9. He’s there as planned and soon we’re at the new campsite. It’s beautiful with a lovely view and a happy, little creek.

Chuck and Geri’s “Hound Herd”, old pals of the crew from last fall in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, rush up to a furry reunion with Bridget and Spike. The photo in the slideshow doesn’t quite capture each of the five canines sniffing every other dog’s front and back ends. (There’s a sixth-grade math problem for you!)

Reunion over, Spike trots down to the creek and in he goes!

It’s not long before I’m in the creek, too. The water is just the right temperature, cool at first and then simply refreshing. Bridget surprises me. She’s so excited she runs across the creek, prancing to make splashes, and then runs back to the other bank! Back and forth she goes! Of course, it’s a complete surprise so there’s no time to find my camera.

We’ve been at Zion Creekside Camp (my name for it) for six days.

What have we been doing? Playing in the creek, exploring around the camp, taking photos, relaxing to the sound of flowing water, catching up on the blog, replying to comments, writing and answering emails, washing clothes, sweeping sand out of the BLT, pumping up the leaky tire, and pretty much doing nothing!

“Why the heck don’t you get that tire fixed?” That’s what you’re thinking, right?

I had to wait for Memorial Day Weekend to get over with.

This morning, Tuesday, I checked the tire and the gauge read 17 psi. I’ve been putting some air in it every morning. I pump it up again to 45 psi (a little extra air for insurance!) and the crew and I take off for Hurricane. The plan is to get the tire repaired and then go on to Wal-Mart.

We stop at Porter Auto Repair (NAPA).

A cool, concrete floor and two fans keep Bridget and Spike happy while we wait. A nail is discovered in the tire. It had worked its way toward the sidewall which causes the repair to be tricky (It takes two tries.). I have the tire repaired, the tires rotated and balanced, and a new air filter put in. The bill comes to $46.00 labor, $14.68 parts, $1.82 shop supplies (tire patching), and $3.91 sales tax, for a total cost of $66.41. Gee, it’s good to have that taken care of!

Further up the road we find Wal-Mart.

I load up on items according to my diet which, by the way, is coming along swimmingly (a term I like to use when camping next to water). I think I’ve dropped a pants’ size because I have to hitch up my size 14s occasionally as I walk. This gives me a gait similar to old Grampa Cratchett or Crumpett, whatever it was.

You know, that show where hillbillies come into a bunch of money and the daughter, who acts like a complete idiot, wears pigtails which is never cute when you’re way beyond pigtail-age. Beverly Hillbillies! What was that actor’s name? It’s on the tip of my tongue. Anyway. I’m looking forward to digging out some size 12s from the storage boxes in the PTV.

Now that you’ve waded through all this jabber and didn’t cheat by skimming to the orange headings, you deserve a slideshow!

(If you cheated, skip the slideshow and go over to Al’s at The Bayfield Bunch and see some decent photos, or go ahead and watch my slideshow and feel the guilt.)

Kudos to those of you who read every word!

Zion Creekside Camp[slideshow]

rvsue

P.S. So how many total sniffs if there are five dogs and each dog sniffs the front and back ends?

85 Responses to Zion and camping by a creek

I never cheat when reading your blog because I want to soak up each word, but yes, I was wondering why the heck you didn’t get that leak fixed and so I am relieved to know it is done and done right. Thanks!

It must have seemed strange. There was a delay of several days, so you’ve been reading in the present tense what happened in the past. It makes me crazy! I like posting on the same day. Thanks for reading and not skimming! LOL

That’s it! I never would’ve remembered the name Buddy Epsen. He had his niche with his own mannerisms and he played them to the hilt.

Bridget, what a nutcake. After that first day in the creek, she won’t go in the water. I know she loved it. I can’t figure that girl out sometimes. Maybe she doesn’t like the way the sand sticks to her fur when she comes out. She hates being dirty. Who knows.

I love your pictures and live vicariously through your blog for all the travels I can not yet take. So I would love to see more pics of your travels even if the web has more. Loved the pics of the dogs enjoying themselves. I did make a trip over the long weekend to Palouse Falls and I was like a kid in the candy store. I couldn’t take it all in fast enough. I found myself almost running to see what was around the next bend. Stayed up late last nite to make sure I got a post on the blog. I am certainly not as faithful about blogging as you but I am finding I enjoy making a history of this time… and oh how much comments mean to me and encourage.

I just want to tell you how much you have inspired me and enjoy every picture that you post. Enjoy!!

Thank you for your comment. I enjoyed reading it. I can relate to the part about running around to see what’s around the next bend. I’m the same way!

I’m curious why your name –klbexplores– didn’t print in blue so readers, including me, can click on it to visit your blog. I tried to find your blog by doing a search of klbexplores but all I get is your profile with no other pages. What’s the URL of your blog?

BTW, you’ll love having your travels recorded in a blog. I enjoy looking back at the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met.

This place was found by Chuck and Geri who often comment here. Yes, I’m boondocking. This is Bureau of Land Management and there are no facilities. A pull-off for recycling and trash is right up the road, so that’s handy. Today while going to Wal-Mart I spied a dump station at a gas station, so I’m good.

Why Teacher, I never skip the words!! Might miss something and often something funny too!! The photos are so inviting…ah such a creek…we lived beside one too when I was still at home…but it was DEEP…could have drowned one time…but my brave brothers taught themselves to swim in it. The current was pretty swift too…but that one there looks just wonderful!! Oh my…makes me wish we were there too!! Maybe someday…maybe…

Hubby has 2 days left…JUST TWO!!! Then the work of downsizing around here begins in earnest. We THINK it MIGHT work out for plan A, which I will share if it really comes to be…but the next one, plan B, is full timing in some kind of RV. Got one filling replaced today and yet ahead…a pulling…oh I dread that…and will miss a few days most likely…oh well, good excuse to lay around I suppose…what is my excuse the rest of the time??

Your diet sounds so great…do you have a link to suggest, or did you get a book, or what is the best you think? We have got to do something…esp. me. My oh my…down to a size 12?? I would be so happy for bigger than that!! For me….I HOPE!!

Plan B sounds wonderful to me! But then that’s not surprising. I’ll be interested to hear about Plan A.

About the diet. I was going to buy The Dukan Diet book for my kindle, but my kindle’s not working right now (long story). What I did was research it online. I picked up enough information to go ahead with it. I’m too cheap to sign on for the online coaching that is offered. I don’t need that. I love how I’ve lost my cravings for carbs/sweets/junk, and I never have to go hungry. I have to make sure I have the right foods on board the BLT. That part can be tricky. So far I’ve been able to do it. I feel great, lots of energy, alert, no side effects. I’m at a point now, after two weeks, where I’m seeing results!

I hope your tooth-pulling goes as well as my last one did. I have long, tangled roots and yet it wasn’t bad at all, once you get past the shot. Good luck!

PS…I totally agree with your concensus about the difference between GC and Zion…and as I recall Bryce also was a joy…but that was simply eons ago when I was there…I figure about 52 years ago. The GC is simply a huge hole in the ground and its size is impressive and there are some awesome photos of it out there…but in Zion and Bryce, it seemed beautiful without having to catch anything at a certain of day, etc, etc.

OK, I’ll bite on the math problem. If I’m thinking correctly – which isn’t certain now that I’m retired – each dog had 8 sniffs, two for each of the other 4 dogs, and there are five dogs so unless someone skipped a sniff, there were 40 sniffs. But then I doubt you were actually counting.

Great looking spot. That would have been more relaxing than our Memorial Day weekend, which was installing sod in our Daughter’s back yard. But now grand daughter Mhaica has nice grass to play on.

Glad you got the tire fixed. Pumping it up was all well and good but sometimes they won’t stay pumped up and changing a tire is a pain.

I didn’t pay much attention to the height of the tunnel opening because I knew I was well within it with my rig. I’m hoping Chuck will stop in here and help me answer your question. They have a pretty big fifth wheel that was too high for the tunnel. You have to be able to go through the tunnel to be allowed in the Park (is my understanding).

As for the camp spot I have now, there was a fifth wheel up the creek (no, that doesn’t sound right) and they found a place to park. There are sandy spots to watch out for. Your truck comes in handy for that. When I think back at the places I’ve camped… Willard Springs, Ash Fork, Kaibab Forest, Dome Rock, Darby Well Road near Ajo, plus all the state and NF parks and COE’s (in TX), the only place that you wouldn’t have been able to camp is DeMotte Campground, a few miles north of Grand Canyon National Park. They have a 22 ft. limit.

I hope you checked the box for “Notify me of follow-up comments via email.” I’m sure Chuck will add to my answer.

Wayne . . . I talked to Chuck about your rig coming in where I’m at. He has experience with bigger rigs. I have none. He wouldn’t recommend trying to camp here. Maybe further upstream would be okay. I don’t know. Read replies to both of JC Lewis’s comments for more information.

If you are larger than the trailer sizes that were explained on the wonderful link Kentster provided, then yes, you will have to find another way. If you are coming from the south… Flagstaff area, 89N to 89a into town of Fredonia, pick up 59/389 to Colorado City, Hurricane UT and follow the signs to Zion NP. . Before you ever start a trip or journey, you should have a good atlas and have your destination well mapped out in advance! Saves a lot of headaches. There are a lot of online resources available! http://www.phunnyfarm.blogspot.com

I was thinking the same thing as I watched the slideshow myself. There are so many photos of Spike and Bridget. Then I thought, well, maybe these photos will have people imagining their own dog(s) playing in the water at their campsite.

The photo of Bridget and Spike trotting down the lane ahead of the camera says so much about what is possible. I’m sure your bassets and bloodhound would love the adventure!

It gets hot here in the afternoon. That’s when I like to get in the creek. Other times I’m mesmerized watching it bubble along, or I doze off listening to its soothing sound. Can you tell I love this life?

Hi, Sue, great pix, as always. Spikey cracks me up the way he lays in the water. So MANY places “wowed” me more than the GC. Rich like Zion better than Bryce, and I liked Bryce better than Zion. Both were beautiful, however.

So I’m not the only one who gets a kick out of Spike’s love of a good soak. It makes me wonder what his life was like before I picked him up at the pound. Did his former owners take him to water? (Spike was lost, wandering around, so I didn’t get his history.)

The strange thing is . . . Spike hates rain! Even a gentle rain will send him scurrying for cover.

Funny about the rain. Jack (Lab) will go in any water…sprinkle him with a water and he howls like baby–or heaven forbid a bath–bellows like I’m killing him. My sweet Lizzie liked water any way she could get it.

Nope, you are not the only one who thinks Spike’s soaking is cute and funny!! He is an unusual dog that way, at least for not being a “water dog” breed!! Seems smarter than the average bear too…to understand how to get cooled off. And the little Bridget not wanting to be dirty…that’s my kind of dog!! Heh…and yes, the photo of them trotting together like that…one with ears up and one with ears down…you should enhance that one a bit to hone in on the 2 of them closeup…THAT one should win some kind of photo award I think!!

Now that is one sweet camp in as different of a canyon as can be. After looking mostly into Grand Canyon every day I so enjoy the pleasure of looking up at the canyon walls of Zion, without having to hike to the bottom first. I’ll have to get directions to this area for camping on the way to Washington to shop.

I always read start to finish, would not want to miss anything. Bryce and Zion are great parks. If I remember correctly when campers would go through the tunnel at Zion the traffic would be blocked at one end so the campers could go down the middle of the tunnel using both lanes. The tunnel was not very big.
As for the math problem: The Ranger came by and saw all the sniffing going on and told the dogs there was a one dollar charge per sniff at this creek. The Ranger said I caught you three dogs each taking ten sniffs, that will be thirty dollars. So each dog paid ten dollars and the Ranger went on his way. Later the Ranger came back and said I have been informed that there is a twenty five sniff maximum for any group of dogs so I’m giving you back five dollars. The dogs not knowing how to equally divide the five dollars between the three of them said. We will each take one dollar back and you can keep the other two dollars as a tip. So now each dog has now paid nine dollars. 3×9=27, plus the two dollar tip for the Ranger equals 29. Hmmm, that should have added to 30 dollars, where did the other dollar go? lol

Every word, every picture, every time. Wouldn’t miss it! This is my favorite blog and the best on the web, in my opinion. For me. And yes, that includes mine. Did I just say that out loud? Oh my! 🙂 I’ll give you a run for your money when I have my RV, but for now, I live vicariously through yours. So, I have to agree with xlbexplores – please don’t skimp on pics or info, even if it’s covered elsewhere. Your perspective, your adventures are unique and we look forward to them.

Reine beat me to the math but Mark’s version is just plain hilarious! LOL.

Nonni would be fickle with the water like Bridget. She tiptoes through dew but then surprises me every now and then. Bentley on the other hand would be in heaven at a campsite like this. He will be 10 next month. I don’t know whether he’ll still be with me by the time I travel or not, but he certainly deserves it. He, like his mommy, was born for the RV life. I just wish I’d known sooner. It will be forever a sadness to be out there without him, but it is what it is. I am very happy for you and the crew and the blessed life you have. Kudos Sue!

Am very relieved too that you got the tire fixed – even if it is post facto. 🙂 Oh yeah, and Sue? Your solar panel is in the shade (?). ROFLOL. I don’t know if you’re still there or not, but I’m enjoying the stay. Dip a toe in the water for me and ask Spike to take an extra dip for Bentley please. HugZ!

With all the sunlight around here, why is the solar panel in the shade? Well, it’s a long story…. Shorter version: First off, I wanted the BLT in a certain spot because I wanted the door to open up on a perfect view with ground I could put the mat on and that would open up on a path down to the water. All very important, right?

To do that the PTV is put in partial shade (and full sun part of the day which doesn’t show up in the photos). There’s plenty of room to pull the PTV forward into the sun. (This is where a big, longer cord would be handy). I have to leave room in front of the PTV so when I leave the BLT and then come back, I can maneuver the PTV’s back end up to the front of the BLT, so they can connect. It just so happened that the tree branches hang right where the PTV needs to be in order for the BLT to be exactly where I want it!

Aren’t you glad you asked? Oh, this is dog heaven, for sure. The crew likes the soft ground and sand. They’ve trod on a lot of rocks the past few months! Best wishes to you, Bentley and your RVing plans!

Take a hint from Geri and Chuck…. Our dog Scotty is 17 and the RV life has added years of happiness to his life! Scotty is the black and white sheltie greeting the crew in sue’s photos above! Scotty loves travelling with us and wouldn’t miss all those new sniffs and smells at the different campgrounds for anything!!!

Sue, you are making me miss my vacation at Zion even though it was just last week. In fact as I was driving to the Cable Mountain Lodge where we stayed in Springdale I would look out towards the horizon and wonder where RV’ers would boondock! We shopped in the Walmart in Hurricane on the way to the lodge too!
As for the Beverly Hillbillies, the character was Jeb Clampett, remember Granny, she was an MD (Mountain Doctor, lol) and the actor that played Jeb was Buddy Ebsen (sp?) who happened to be a very good dancer in movies.

A couple of more things Sue.
Still keep an eye on that patched tire. I’m concerned because its near the sidewall. In almost all places where I live in South Florida they won’t even patch it if its less than an inch from the sidewall. They say the integrity of the tire is compromised. Maybe they are just being extra cautious.
Secondly, I agree. Zion much more impressive than GC. I was at GC a couple of years ago and did some trails there too but it starts to look the same after awhile. In Zion its always another amazing canvass picture on every trail you take. I would say Yosemite would be right there with Zion in terms of variety of beauty and awe.

Welcome to Utah! Swing on over to Snow Canyon by St. George when you get some free time, leave the Casita and also check out Quail Creek and some of the other Utah state campgrounds, they’re all nice, but not as private as where you’re at. Go check out Harmon’s Groceries in St. George (a nice lunch cafeteria and great groceries) and the Dino Musuem and say hello to the director, Rusty, she’s from Moab. Makes a ncie day trip.

I do want to check out the other Utah state campgrounds online as I will be traveling north through a lot more of Utah. The state campgrounds are a wonderful fall-back plan when there isn’t boondocking available or no time to find a boondocking spot. Also, lest we forget, SHOWERS!

Thanks for the suggestions. Usually museums are out because of the crew… Can’t leave them in the heat.

Agree, Zion is awe inspiring. When you get around to visiting Colorado, be sure to check out Black Canyon of the Gunnison….better than the GC. Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah is pretty awesome and worth a stop.

Please note, due to a huge landslide Highway 14 to Cedar Breaks has been closed! They open a dirt road to it inly on weekends while they are repairing and replacing the large section of road the landslide took with it! If Cedar Breaks is on your list of things to do, do it on a weekend!

Isn’t Zion an amazing area? I agree with your comparison to the Grand Canyon. Everything you see here is jaw-dropping. You are amazingly close to us. We are staying at the Zion River Resort on 9 just a mile east of Virgin. Your creek looks very much like the Virgin River behind our site.

I always read your whole blog as well, you are always entertaining. We just come back from a week at the keys and you and Bridget made me think of our trip – one of the days we went Kayaking and took our little Gaby, I think she might have enjoyed it. I took pictures of her in the kayak she was absolutely adorable once she got the hang of it, when I first put on her life vest she just stood still and would not move… made getting the kayaks set up easy… just set her down and do what you needed – didn’t move an inch – she just stood totally frozen.. I think she was boycotting the whole thing…

That’s so funny! Spike did the same thing… stood frozen in his personal flotation device. I wrote a post about it with a photo of Spike, sometime last spring. He’s standing like a statue. That must have been a fun trip at the Keys . . .

I also should say, there were other people bringing their kayaks in, that kept laughing, they would walk past the frozen puppy who refused to acknowledge them – had 3 different kayaks come past her with out so much as a flinch from her – so funny… Then once I picked her up – to make sure he was fitting right, not hurting her somehow , walked around with her a few minutes (and gave her some snuggles) set her down she is running everywhere – apparently it was a short protest!!!

Hi Sue-Note..you are lucky on the tire repair. Everytime I take a flat in, it’s either a sidewall or a torn belt (the steel cords reinforcing the radial).

I have a service bulletin on your vintage type vehicle pertaining to maintence of the cooling system. I can relay the info off blog if you reply here. Some other update info too.

Anyone interested in the situation in NM… The state is ON FIRE! The Whitewater fire (75 m west of TorC) is now the largest in state history, zero % contained and experts say the fire could burn THROUGH JULY! Smoke everywhere. Winds on Mem wkend were so bad, area business was down 50%, beach dwellers experienced ‘dust outs’ and all state parks, including the Navajo Lake (NW NM) just suffered. Fortunately, it’s the beginning of the season where businesses have to ‘make it’! Do not make NM a vacation destination! BR (ps-you don’t have to ask about K’s breathing-taking it day by day)

That’s not all- Small towns are threatened! The historic mining town of Mogollon will surely go up in flames! If you had ever been there, tears would come to your eyes! We wondered if C&G had ever been there or if they have spent time over in the Reserve/Glenwood area. Be thankful of your location and a creek! BR

Just to set the record straight, we have been in NM for about 2 months now. Left Glenwood/Mogollon area less than 2 weeks ago, after the fires had been burning. Had a little bit of smoke in Santa Fe last weekend but just for a morning. We are now in a BLM campground on the Rio Grande near Taos. Weather is great, no smoke, and hardly anyone around.

Hello, Sue. My first post. I’m JC and will be entering the world of the Wandering Lost this Fall. Feasibility question: Could a 36′ motorhome have gone the route you went on your day through Zion and on to the creek side? Assume the driver is capable and so is the MH, mechanical-wise. The issue, of course, is size. Thanks.

I replied below. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a firm answer about driving your motorhome to camp along this creek. I haven’t investigated further upstream. It would be difficult camping right where I am with a large motorhome.

Dianne and I can’t believe we ran into you and Geri and Chuck at Wildcat Willie’s. It is truly a small world. It was so very nice to meet you. We look forward to more of your blogs. PS… You should really drop by the Doggie Dude Ranch. Just park in front and walk around back and someone will come out to meet you. We are VERY picky about leaving our dogs, and feel very good about this place.

It was a pleasure meeting you and Diane. You added to the fun of being out with Chuck and Geri. I enjoyed listening to you share your love and excitement for Zion. Thanks for the review on Doggie Dude Ranch. I hope you have a wonderful time with your daughter!

Okay, I forgot about the problems of the tunnel. I remember reading somewhere else that they make you take any toad off to go thru the tunnel and won’t let it be put back on until you reach the bottom. So, Sue, let’s forget the east road in. Playlike this September, a 36′ MH is sitting in the basin at Zion and wants to go camp in the back woods along the Virgin R, is the route one a MH can do? JC

I’m not on the Virgin River. The road to the Kolob Reservoir is a paved two-lane road off of Hwy 9. It’s called Kolob Terrace Road. You can follow it up to the Reservoir and I’ve heard you can camp up there but I’m not sure what size rigs. it might only be good for tenters. Along Kolob Terrace Road are places to pull off the road, go through some low-growth (bushes) and up to the creek. Some places are free BLM and some are private and ask for a donation. The roads are sandy so you have to be careful.

Where I am would probably not be good for a large motorhome (tight turns, narrow lane, rocks in the road). However further up the road (private) might be more suitable.

Note to everyone else: Please, now that I’ve given directions, if you’re in the Zion area, don’t drop in on me. You know how I am. If you don’t how I am, read “about rvsue.” Thanks loads.

I, for one, would not reccommend driving a full sized rig all the way up to the Reservoir. we saw only one RV up there and that was the workamper! Very steep climb! You go from 3,000+ feet to 9,000+ feet in 24 miles! Park below… drive your tow vehicle up! You would wear out the RV brakes coming back down. I know Chuck would never consider taking our rig up there!